Workshop focuses on telework programs

In an effort to educate business owners, 36 Commuting Solutions and Boulder Transportations Connections are hosting a workshop focused on implementing telework programs in the workplace. The free workshop will touch on the benefits of a telework program and tips on how to make the program successful in any business size. The workshop is from 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Boulder County Clerk and Recorders Office in the Charlotte Houston Room at 1750 33rd St. in Boulder.

Leading the workshop is telework expert Stuart Anderson who will discuss the tools needed to develop a successful telework program. He will discuss the pros and cons of teleworking.

Teleworking is defined as extending the workplace beyond the traditional office. Anderson said in recent years, teleworking one to two days a week has significantly increased in many businesses.

But in terms of full-time teleworking, Stuart said that number has not increased over the years. He said in most cases part-time teleworking is the most successful program.

“Teleworking is a management prerogative and replaces business-related trips,” he said. “It’s not always a full-time arraignment or a situation where employers send their employees home and they never see them again.”

Stuart said many employers are now realizing that teleworking and having the flexibility of working from home is something that talented individuals expect from their employer and those employers who don’t implement a program may end up losing those talented potential employees. He said the biggest pros to teleworking are profitability and a 10-20 percent increase in productivity.

“When people telework they can be more efficient and have fewer disruptions,” he said. “These individuals working from home tend to be more organized because they have the ability to plan their day accordingly.”

Stuart said the most important thing, which he will be stressing in the workshop, is the importance of implementing an actual telework program in the business. That way employees who do telework know the guidelines of the program and employees who don’t telework understand the impacts of the other employees being out of the office and how that affects them, he added.

“Many times people left in the office are greatly impacted by those working from home because those in the office have to deal with emergencies that pop up,” Stuart said. “But if a telework program is in place, employees at the office have an understanding that dealing with those types of emergencies are part of their job description and they don’t feel negatively about it or ignored by their employer.”

Stuart will also present telework program success stories, the cost of a program, eligibility factors in employees, development in program policies and much more.

To RSVP for the workshop call 303-997-5155 or email info@36commutingsolutions.org. US 36 area business will also be eligible to receive up to $2,500 for financial assistance to establish a new telework program, including hardware, software or policy development.